If Your Summer Sucks, Read This

I always think it’s funny when people ask me what are my summer plans? First, I don’t think of my life in seasons. Second, I work every season. Third, I don’t have kids, so my life doesn’t change that much during summer. Except that it’s hot as balls where I live, which puts a wrench into everything.

But if I am going to talk about summer, it’s kind of sucked.

The last few weeks have been hard. My late sister would have been 40 on the 17th, and I had some extremely hard days because of it. I actually think they were some of my worst days since she died in 2006 (from Breast Cancer at 28). And talking about it doesn’t help, because there is absutely nothing anyone can do. It’s just awful, so I sit with the awful, very much wanting to be alone.

And we’ve continued to do more to our adorable house circa 1935, which means no traveling (and we haven’t done any traveling in YEARS). We need to remedy this. Because right now, if I see one more picture of someone on Instagram on a beach with an umbrella drink…

And like I said, it’s hot as balls. We’ve had some beat up triple-digit weather (like an entire week of 108-110). Yes, I live in California. Yes, it does get that hot here. No, not all Californians live by the beach. And when it’s that hot, your body and mind don’t want to do shit. You can’t think, string a coherent sentence together and being nice takes extra effort, so there’s no point in going out in public.

So I’ve been digging deep to find some small pleasures that are keeping me out of prison.

Friends From College (Netflix)
On one particularly bad day, I binged this entire TV series and so glad I did. It is absolutely hysterical and so well done. The story and cast is phenomenal, with the best performances from Keegan Michael-Key and Fred Savage.

Ozark (Netflix)
I haven’t seen this TV series yet, but based on the trailer I know I’m going to love it. Jason Bateman directs and stars as a father and husband who moves to the Ozarks to launder money for a drug cartel.

You Are a Badass (Amazon)
I think everyone has read this book but me, but now that I am, it’s like she’s talking just to me. Whether you have a biz or not, READ THIS BOOK.

Book of the Month
This club has been around for almost 100 years. Yes, 100 years. And I just found out about it from my 17 year-old niece. Although I read most of my books via the Kindle app on my phone or my Kindle Paperwhite device, the new hardbacks they have are cheaper than most ebooks. And if you don’t like their book selection, you can skip a month.

Michael Kors Folio Case iPhone 7+ (Amazon, Michael Kors)
I’ve had my eye on this a while and to my great fortune it was 30% off during Amazon’s Prime Day (I got mine in luggage). Ninety percent of the time I leave my house, I don’t need a purse. Just my ID, debit card, phone and keys. There’s a few credit card slots inside and a larger pocket for dolla, dolla billz.

Vince Camuto Averie Sandal (Nordstrom)
I stopped wearing heels a long time ago. I just want to be comfortable, but I don’t want to look like I’ve given up — completely. These sandals are so stylish and go with jeans, shorts and skirts. And they’re 40% off.

Sam Edelman Carrin Flat (Amazon)
Another deal I scored on Prime Day (30% off). These espadrille flats are so cute and comfy. Beware, different colors fit differently. The putty color was too big, but the black fit just right.

Kenneth Cole Olivia Espadrille Wedge (Amazon)
OK, so you kind of need some kind of heel for certain occasions. I scored with this one because I love how it looks and it’s the most comfortable wedge I’ve ever worn. Dead serious. I wore these for a twelve-hour event, pain free. I bought the medium brown and scored a great deal on Poshmark. They’re sold out almost everywhere but Amazon (and are 35% off).

iTouchless Trash Can, 13 Gallon (Amazon)
Our garbage can of 15+ years went caput, so we got this one (two actually, one for garbage and one for recycle). They are badass and look great in the kitchen. I didn’t do the dual can because the biggest I could find was nine gallons and didn’t want to be dumping the garbage every two days. Oh, and I got these stickers to put on the lids so company knows which is which.

Tequila & Grapefruit Drink
My cousin made this for me over the 4th of July and now I’m addicted. It’s so refreshing in this heat, and grapefruits are healthy (right?). The ingredients are tequila and grapefruit juice. Just do the ratio to your liking.

Body Boss
I ran marathons for ten years and LOVE running, but since having thyroid and adrenal issues, it just doesn’t feel good or deliver results. The one thing that does is burst training or HIIT (high intensity interval training). I see results after one week of workouts in weight loss and hormones. And because I’m building muscle, I don’t weigh myself, I go by how my clothes fit. I’ve known so many people to lose several clothing sizes, but only a few pounds, so don’t let the scale mind fuck you. Although you can find thousands of HIIT workouts online for free, I bought this method because it was mapped out over a 12-week period, in a certain order to set you up for success. I’m also not a fan of videos, so I like that this in a book that way I can look at the workout and play my own music. In just a few weeks, I’ve lost several inches and I’ve only changed my diet a little. I eat what I want a few times a week and have booze almost every night. And this is coming from someone who had metabolism problems for years.

Paleo Running Momma
I’m not strict Paleo by any means, but I love how it tastes and makes me feel. My latest Paleo cook I’ve been following kills it with every recipe. I have no idea how she makes everything taste better than the best restaurants. My favorite recipes so far are her Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burgers, Crispy Paleo Chicken Tenders and Paleo Meatloaf.

Ethan
My two-year old nephew is my favorite person in the world right now. He’s gorgeous, hysterical, brilliant, fun and so sweet. He’s a social butterfly and loves everyone. He also loves music and to dance until he gets dizzy and falls down. And although my brother and sister-in-law would tell you he’s a maniac right now, which I witnessed the other day while he held on to the door knob screaming, “Beep! Beep!… Beep! Beep!” because he wanted to go to the car, he gives me more joy than I can explain.

Hit me up and let me know your faves lately. I would love to check them out.

P.S. I’m not affiliate for any of these products. Just passing on my latest obsessions to you.